"We'll do two and then we'll negotiate another two, so we're really talking about almost four years," said Elton Dean, the Chairman of the ASU Board of Trustees.

Boyd replaces Dr. William Harris who had served as ASU's Interim President since last year when he took over for Dr. Joseph Silver. Silver struck a separation agreement with the university after he raised questions about finances.

Gov. Robert Bentley attended Friday's meeting but did not preside. He reiterated that he firmly believes that Boyd is the right person for ASU and added his own take on what her role should be.

"She is the CEO," Gov. Bentley told the board. "I just believe that if we allow this fine lady, who I feel will be an outstanding representative for the university, to do her job, I think that we are on the way on the road to tremendous success and future for this great university."

Dean agreed with the governor's take. He said the board has no interest in overseeing day-to-day affairs.

"We're going to be the policy makers and she's going to be the CEO and I look for great things out of her and I think everybody's excited about the direction Alabama State is about to go in," Dean said.

Boyd will assume her new role as ASU President on Feb. 1, at a time when there are ongoing examinations into the university's accreditation, finances, as well as federal and state investigations.

The Board of Trustees voted Dec. 20 to offer the job to Boyd. Boyd was one of three finalists for the position along with Sen. Quinton Ross and Brig. Gen. Samuel Nichols.

After a motion was made by Board Chairman Dean to offer the job to Boyd, 11 of the board members voted yes. Vice Chair Wiggins abstained from voting.

(Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File). FILE - In this May 22, 2018 file photo, actor Morgan Freeman attends the 2018 PEN Literary Gala in New York. Freeman is apologizing to anyone who may have felt “uncomfortable or disrespected” by his behavior....

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>

Actor Morgan Freeman has apologized for making anyone feel uneasy, in the wake of a CNN report in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment or inappropriate behavior.More >>